Padres' decision to pass on reunion with Kyle Higashioka could haunt them in 2025

The Padres might struggle in 2025 more than fans were anticipating. Going into the MLB Winter Meetings, it felt like San Diego was going to sign some players, or at least be in contention to do so. Now that it's all over, San Diego didn't really do anything, so it would not be dramatic if Padres fans started to panic just a little.

Several players elected free agency this offseason, and now others might even be traded. This is starting to feel like San Diego is headed for a rebuild, and to make matters worse, a reliable catcher in Kyle Higashioka is one of the latest Friars to leave the organization. With his exit, the Padres might be in a bit of a bind.

Padres News: Kyle Higashioka departure hits harder than most expected

Higashioka spent the 2024 season with San Diego after being a career Yankee, and he did not disappoint on the West Coast. Blasting 17 home runs and a 101 OPS+ in 84 games, the California native also mashed three postseason homers. It looked like he was finding a home here in San Diego, blending in perfectly with the other power bats in the lineup.

Unfortunately, his club control was up, and he quickly became the best free agent catcher in baseball. San Diego is looking to shed some payroll, so bringing back Higashioka never was quite realistic. Ultimately, this led to him signing with the Rangers to a two-year, $13.5 million deal. Although Padres fans are happy for Higashioka and his new, deserved contract, this move will ultimately hurt the franchise.

As it stands, the Padres are stuck with Luis Campusano at catcher, who was less than productive this past season. His WAR was in the negatives and he registered a shockingly low 78 OPS+, which eventually led to him being sent to Triple-A El Paso. His numbers were nowhere near Higashioka's, but Campusano will cost far less than him. He will receive $1.862 million next year, so maybe the Padres got what they are looking for. It's being reported AJ Preller and his staff are prioritizing payroll concerns, so it might be time to buckle up for a bumpy 2025 season.

Perhaps a prospect could be called up at some point next spring. One of the organization's most promising prospects is a catcher, but he's not close to being MLB ready. At 18 years old, Ethan Salas is making waves, but he needs some time to develop before taking over the backstop. Brandon Valenzuela is another option in the minors for San Diego, but his offensive output doesn't show he's ready, either. He was a .195 hitter in 27 games with Triple-A El Paso in 2024.

Regardless of what the Padres opt to do at catcher next season, they will see a dip in production. Kyle Higashioka was a tremendous fit, but his shortened stay unveils the Padres lack of readiness to take that next step as a premier team in Major League Baseball. The focus feels shifted, whether it's letting free agents go to another team, or trading away a big name. We'll just learn to deal with Campusano, we guess.